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Programme to promote exotic fish rearing

By Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, June 25 � The market for exotic and ornamental fish in Assam and rest of the North-east is booming, and for local entrepreneurs it could be an opportune moment to step into the business that still depends on outside supply. The State Fisheries department taking note of the situation is pushing ahead with a programme that will not only support breeding and rearing of exotic fish, but at the same time will help develop the market for aquariums and accessories.

Official estimates point to a figure in the region of Rs 1.5 crore, which is spent per year in procuring exotic fish into the north-eastern States. �We believe that local entrepreneurs can take advantage of this situation, especially because they could not spend on costly air transport,� a senior Fisheries department official told The Assam Tribune.

Although not all types of ornamental fish can be bred in Assam, a great variety of fish can be easily bred and reared. Among those are colourful species which thrive in warm waters of the world.

The advantages to entrepreneurs also stem from the fact that unlike commercial fisheries there is no requirement of expansive water bodies or interventions in large scale. A place of modest size with proper electricity is enough to breed a number of exotic and ornamental varieties, which command good price in the local market.

According to the official, the most attractive aspect of the business is that one can invest small sums of money and yet expect to gain rich returns. �Within a year, an investment of Rs 1 lakh could bring returns of Rs 2 lakh or more, provided the entrepreneur raises species which have good market demand,� he mentioned.

A similar advantage has been noticed in the fabrication of aquariums, which can be built with adequate knowledge of glass, adhesives and filtration. Here, local entrepreneurs have an edge over suppliers located at a distance. Interestingly, a number of youths in 10 districts of the State have already benefited from manufacturing aquariums, sources in the Fisheries department stated.

Recognizing the emerging trend the department has started training batches of youths to raise exotic and ornamental fish and to fabricate aquariums. Last year, one batch was trained at the College of Fisheries, Raha, and this year more are being provided with hands-on training and exposure.

The Fisheries department has helped form some Self- Help Groups, which are likely to receive financial support shortly. These groups will subsequently act as master trainers to pass on their knowledge and skills to other groups in several districts of Assam.

Significantly, it has been found that compared to earlier years, the interest in local fish that can be displayed in aquariums is also on the rise. Exporters would get involved if entrepreneurs can breed and raise some endemic fish, which fetch high prices in international market.

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